Author Archives: Razan Masri

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About Razan Masri

I love exploring, researching, finding and sharing. I love to learn and to teach, I love to live and to laugh, I wish to speak to the world as an Arab Woman using the most beautiful language through photographs and writing.

A beautiful desert view overlooking Palestine & the Dead Sea. Visit Mukawir.

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For Detailed Page visit Mukawir, Machaerus

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Black and white

Mukawir is a historic attraction in Jordan that is about one hour and a half drive from Amman, around 30 to 40 minutes from Madaba.

I advice you wear something comfortable and somewhat conservative, comfortable sports shoes, and go by car or taxi. It is around 20 minutes walk up the hill or around 35 minutes if you are taking photographs on the way.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Rainbow sunset

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

Mukawir Fortress was built by Alexander Jannaeus in the first century BC and is a religion biblical story of Salome the dancer who danced to Hadrian to get John the Baptist “Prophey Yahya bin Zakaria” beheaded. It was said the John the Baptist was imprisoned for 2 years and then beheaded. In 70 AD, the fortress was destroyed by the Romans while under the emperor of Titus.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

Sheep Portrait

There is not much to see, but it sure is worth the visit, the colors of nature, and the fresh air is just sensational, the walk up is very easy and takes very little time, it is not so busy and not visited much so usually serene and calm.

My favorite part of Mukawir is the view that over looks the Dead Sea and Palestine, it is breathtaking when the sky is clear, and I would defiantly advice you go right before sunset because the view is just magical and worth staying for.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress SunsetSunset

Did you know that John the Baptist “Prophet Yahya bin Zakaria” was beheaded in Jordan? Learn more about Mukawir and the hilltop of Machaerus قلعة المشناقى

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Mukawir, also known as the hilltop of Machaerus or in Arabic قلعة المشناقى

Sand, Neutral, Fresh Air, Nature, Desert, John the Baptist, Biblical, History, Ancient, Salome, Roman, Palace, Hadrian, Dead Sea

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Black and white The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Rainbow sunset

Mukawir is a historic attraction in Jordan that is about one hour and a half drive from Amman, around 30 to 40 minutes from Madaba.

On the way to Machaerus Mukawir Jordan قلعة المشناقى الاردن

On the way to Machaerus Mukawir Jordan قلعة المشناقى الاردنI advice you wear something comfortable and somewhat conservative, comfortable sports shoes, and go by car or taxi. It is around 20 minutes walk up the hill or around 35 minutes if you are taking photographs on the way.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir FortressMukawir Fortress was built by Alexander Jannaeus in the first century BC and is a religion biblical story of Salome the dancer who danced to Hadrian to get John the Baptist “Prophet Yahya bin Zakaria” beheaded. It was said the John the Baptist was imprisoned for 2 years and then beheaded. In 70 AD, the fortress was destroyed by the Romans while under the emperor of Titus.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

There is not much to see, but it sure is worth the visit, the colors of nature, and the fresh air is just sensational, the walk up is very easy and takes very little time, it is not so busy and not visited much so usually serene and calm.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir FortressThe historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir FortressThe historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress

My favorite part of Mukawir is the view that over looks the Dead Sea and Palestine, it is breathtaking when the sky is clear, and I would defiantly advice you go right before sunset because the view is just magical and worth staying for.

The historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Sunset

Sheep PortraitThe historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir FortressThe historic ancient attraction in Jordan of the Mukawir Fortress Sunset

I spent around 5 hours total including transportation and had a wonderful time taking photograph and meditating on the hilltop overlooking the sunset.

All photographs are unedited and taken with a Canon 70D

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Photograph idea by my friend Mohammad AbdelLatif – Canon Timer

Why WadiRum is one of the most magical places on earth. Click here to learn more.

Why WadiRum is one of the most magical places on earth. Click here to learn more.

Fashion Reflex: What is different about you is what is beautiful; make it stand out with confidence and self-love.

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You are who you are because of the difference in you. You only become you because you are not everyone else. What is very beautiful about people is that we are all made differently, we have so much in common but so much that is different. Looking up at people can distract us from being who we truly are, we must always remember to isolate ourselves from time and time and listen to our inner self.

What is different about us is what is beautiful, so let it be and let it stand out. Hiding it will only make you feel tired of pretending and will only make people feel there is something off about you. Instead, look at your difference with love and share it with the world because without it things are incomplete. We all need our differences to be brilliant at what we do; we all have different interests to create different things in this world. Be that person, be yourself, be different, love your difference and share it.

This fashion post is about contrasts, is about fashion statements, and different trends and personalities. Photos are from the fall winter 2014/2015 collections by designers like Altuzarra, Bottega Veneta, Christian Dior, Issa, Joseph, Kaelen, Martin Grant, Paul & Joe, Paul Smith, Tsumori Chriato and many more. All photos belong to www.style.com

10 beautiful quotes to live by a great Man… Read to learn more on Love and Kindness.

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  1. There is no beauty better than the intellect.
  2. The best richness is the richness of the soul.
  3. The seeking of knowledge is obligatory.
  4. From the best virtues is to reconnect with the people who disconnected you, and give those who deprived you, and to forgive those who were unjust to you.
  5. The best charity is to learn the good and then to pass it on by teaching the good that was learnt to others.
  6. Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.
  7. Each faith has a distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.
  8. The best among you is the one who doesn’t harm others with his words and hands.
  9. Give to the one whose door is nearer to you.
  10. Help those with sorrow, and guide those who have lost their way.

Quoted by the Prophet Mohammad PBUH

In a day like today, we need to remind the world, that the discrimination and racism against Islam is only a propaganda like all the past propaganda’s the world have witnessed in history that created discrimination, hate, racism, and broken homes.

Today is the Birth Date of the Prophet Mohammad PBUH in the Hijri year of 12 Rabi’ul Awwal 1436 AH and I believe this day must be celebrated in the simplest ways by sharing love and kindness like the Prophet once shared with the world. Most his quotes are associated to being kind, giving, forgiving, and treating people with love and respect. The stereotype of Islam today is false; for violence, terror, and savages are 3 things that are not welcomed by the Prophet Mohammad PBUH or by Islam as a religion. Islam stands for peace, and peace is what all religions and faiths preach for.

Therefore, today I wish to celebrate with you Love and Kindness in the name of our beloved Prophet.

Some photographs are mine, and some are just from Pintrest. You can easily search them by using the title of the image.

Fashion Reflex: Emphasize on the good, and let go of what you believe can be better. Fashion post on waist belts.

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Focusing on what we do not want, or do not enjoy will only make our lives miserable and will only make things seem harder and unjust. But we forget that it is our choice and our own capability to just stop focusing on what bothers us, and instead focus on the good in our lives.

We all have something good going on, and if we can’t see it, then we need to repair our vision. Take your time to locate what is good in your life, but be generous while you see it, look at the good and feel good, write it down as to remember it and be grateful for it. Now start focusing on that good in your life, and start focusing on attracting more good into your life. Slowly you will realize what used to bother you have either disappeared or you have found a way to adapt to it and accept it as it is and even maybe start to see the good in what you saw as bad. Remember to always give things the time it needs, nothing changes in seconds, and nothing disappears or become, things need nourishment, need our attention, our love and our hope.

In this fashion post, designers have emphasized on the waist by adding a belt, because it is a beauty, so no matter what you are dressed, try to emphasis on what makes you feel more feminine, more beautiful and more self loved.

From the fall winter 2014/2015 collections by Balmain, Burberru Prorsum, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karen, Elie Saab, Leonard, Maison Martin Margiela, and many more. All pictures belong to www.style.com

Who said the Grinch stole Christmas from the MiddleEast ?

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January 1st 2015,

Webdeh, Fuheis, Amman, Jordan

Stereotypes are pathetic… Yes the Middle-East is a mess, but the people are as human as everyone else around the world. We are people from different backgrounds, mentalities, beliefs, and profession. The Grinch never steals christmas from the hearts of those who wish to celebrate it, and the Grinch did not steal Christmas or New Year from the Middle-East. At least I am sure about Jordan & Palestine.

Jordan has flourished in celebrating this year, it has been very festive in several locations, and areas, Santa was all over the city, and Christmas Trees were decorated in public main attractions and in-front of houses and neighborhoods. Christmas is not only celebrated by Christians, many Jordanians and Palestinians who practice Islam or other religions also like to celebrate Christmas, write resolutions and wish everyone a happy New Year.

It is a mess almost everywhere around the world, let us work together to create love, we do not need the Politicians or the Media to tell us what to think of one another ,or how to predict the lives of other nations, or judge the differences, we are all human, we share the basics of soul, energy and heart. Religion was never the reason for war, or hate, politics only use it to cover themselves with and effect on the mass, all religions preach for peace love and unity. And I am not saying that from only knowledge, but also as a Muslim who has excessive passion to meeting people from all around the world who practice different lifestyles and beliefs.

Today is the first day of a new year, let 2015 be peaceful upon us, by being part of every celebration and away from any discrimination, let us hold hands and accept one another as souls of the earth, no matter how each one of us might like to interpret the meaning of our existence or the meaning of life, it doesn’t matter, what matters is bringing up the new generation in the name of Love. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year, where ever you are around the world, no matter what you believe in and what you do not believe in, we always deserve second chances, so let us make it a happy 2015.

Love my Canon 70D

 

Fashion Reflex: Looking at ends with joy and new beginnings with prayers of enthusiasm, wishing everyone a sparkling new year.

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Today, I would like to write this and celebrate with every word I type. I wish to wish every one of us happy thoughts, blessings, and the feeling of being grateful to every single day that have passed by us even if it contained sorrow, for in every sorrow there is a hidden blessing or a hidden gift that we just need to find while we continue our journey. We all loose loved ones on the way but it is our choice to look at it as a loss, when instead we can look at it as a gift. Those people who have passed away were given gifts in our lives, we were lucky to know them, live with them and love them. Life is a lifetime cycle and we were born to know that our lives do end. The end should never be looked at with sorrow, but should be looked at with joy, should be looked at with gratefulness, and with respect. But as we continue knowing that to every end there is a new beginning we should be filled with hope, faith and enthusiasm.

Every year, I write a new resolution, and every end of each year I look at what I have accomplished from the list. This year of 2014 was the first year I truly accomplish almost all my list and the reason is I have learned to stop writing down unrealistic goals and instead writing what is realistic and accountable goals that I know if I don’t achieve within the same year I either no longer want the goal or I just need to continue achieving it within the next year.

Be true to yourself always, and be easy on yourself, try to look at your own window that will reflect to you what you and only you truly want and not what seems to be or is surrounded by you. Try to listen deeply; if what you write down as your resolution is something you are passionate for, looking forward to have, or experience then you will feel the enthusiasm towards it.

In this post, I am sharing looks from this season that are all about sparkling. Since the new year of 2015 is coming up, then dress up with sparkles, frost yourself with what will glitz and glow. Be joyous for what has passed and what is yet to come, and direct your attention to attracting the best of your own imagination.

Here are looks from the fall winter 2014/2015 collections by designers from Bluemarine, Dolce & Gabbana, Isabel Marant, Max Mara, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, No. 21, Reem Acra and many more. All pictures belong to www.style.com

Do you want to look elegant for the holidays?

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Elegance is beautiful and fashionable at the same time. It has always been my favorite style. It gives confidence, sophistication, and present.

I have noticed designers have focused a lot this season on using the same print or color for the full look, and it looks pretty amazing. Head to toe painted in one color, it can be dramatic, but it can also be utterly elegant.

In my choice here, I have chosen different colors and prints that are combined to form a look, and I believe they look great. It looks like it is time for a monochromatic trend. Try it out today, mix the same colors together even if they don’t match so much in tone and see how you feel.

Here are my selection from this seasons fall winter 2014/2015 runway shows, with designers like Chanel, Esacda, Fendi, Jason Wu, Jil Sander, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Stella MacCartney, Valentino and many more. All photographs belong to www.style.com

Fashion Reflex: Cozy and cuddle just like a cocoon

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Winter is beautiful, for it brings forth the essence of staying in, of holding indoor cozy dinners and gatherings. Winter brings you closer to family; it brings out the feeling of romance and dance. I personally love the sound of rain, thunder and wind, and I love watching the lightning and the snow.

The one thing I don’t enjoy about winter is feeling cold, and therefore I am used to layer myself up with fabrics. I wear 2 or 3 pairs of pants sometimes 2 pair of socks and at least 4 pairs of upper wear. It might sound a little crazy but really, this is the only way I feel warm and enjoy my winter season. What has become more fun about layering is that designers are making layers look obvious and trendy. Below are my favorite layering looks from the fall winter 2014/2015 collections by designers like Paul smith, Tory Burch, Viktor & Rolf, Edun, Max Mara, and many more.

All photos belong to www.style.com

Navel Orange Upside Down Cake

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Orange Cake Experimenting

For the Full Recipe click on: Navel Orange Upside Down Cake 

I have learnt that with experience, learning, exploring, writing, baking and being all artistic in my own way is my way to get closer to discover myself, and since I will be meeting a lot of people for my next project, and since I wish to spread as much love as possible and since I have a beautiful blog and since I am trying to find myself…. Today I decided to start with exterminating baking with Oranges… and yes I want to explore and experiment until I find the best next orange cake recipe ever… I picked my first Orange recipe for this experimentation from the www.hummingbirdhigh.com by Michelle who is also behind my inspiration to start my own food section as a Middle-Eastern.

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Before the hummingbirdhigh.com blog, I discovered the love for baking when I was trying to make moist chewy cookies that resembled to my childhood memory of some delicious cookies I once had. And after mastering my cookie baking “and I do bake amazing cookies” I just wanted to continue baking “the discovery of my passion for baking”.

Baking

So I went to nearest supermarket and started listing what I have to buy: Butter 1JD a stick, Brown Sugar 2.60JD, Lemon 1.30JD/Kilo, Navel Oranges 1.35JD/Kilo, All purpose flour 1JD a bag, Baking powder 0.75Fils, Salt container 0.40Fils, Vanilla tube 0.45Fils, 4Eggs 0.65Fils, Sour Cream 2.40JD. This recipe will cost (considering the amount needed): 10JD and if you do have the primary ingredients at home (Flour, Salt, Eggs, Baking Powder, Sugar): it will cost around 6JD. So I got what was missing from my house and went back home to start baking not my first cake with Oranges but my very first cake for this experimenting project: Navel Oranges upside down Cake.

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I put my things on the table, played a song that has been on my mind all day by Shiny Toy Guns “If I lost you”

The original recipe: Blood Orange Upside Down Cake only I couldn’t find Blood Oranges and I am allergic to corn so I changed the recipe into all-purpose flour and navel oranges and renamed it to be the Navel Oranges upside down Cake.

NavelUpsideDown Cake

I also divided the cake into 3 cake pans to share it with family, friends and my most beautiful grandfather. It turned out to be delicious, and so much fun to bake. So yes, I do recommend you try it at home, and you can share your notes if you have any with me, and if you have any questions I can always get back to you.

Navel Orange Upside Down Cake

 

For the full recipe click on the following link: Navel Orange Upside Down Cake